FLINT, MI – Those with certain outstanding city warrants can get a clean slate starting next week thanks to a new program by Flint police Chief James Tolbert.

“Operation: Fresh Start” will offer those with misdemeanor warrants in Flint the chance to avoid jail time and court costs, according to a statement from the city.

The program partners city of Flint, Genesee County, the state of Michigan and community-based organizations to offer settlement of minor civil infractions and help participants apply for a driver’s license, find assistance for health and human services, employment opportunities and continuing education advice, the city said.

“The failure to address these violations has resulted in warrants being issued and driver responsibility fines being levied,” Tolbert said in a statement. “These warrants affect an individual’s ability to become employed and their ability to seek employment and to provide financially for their families. Given these pressures, there is a high probability that criminal conduct can occur.”

People who live in the zip codes 48501 and 48502 can show up from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday, July 28, at the Hubbard Building on the University of Michigan-Flint campus, off Chavez Drive near Campus Drive and Mill Street.

Tolbert recognized a need for the program when he learned about the 23,000 outstanding warrants in the city, some of which dated back to the 1970s.

Residents from the 48501 and 48502 zip codes interested in participating must bring a valid photo identification with their current address showing they live in those areas, the statement said. Residents with felony warrants or misdemeanor warrants for child support, driving under the influence and related offenses are not eligible.

There are plans to do the event for individuals who live in other zip codes at a later date.